Rear Windows with plastic vents

Cold Steel · Samba Member Joined: March 11, 2010 Posts: 587

Is this molded into the window. Can you take off the plastic piece and leave the window in? I would love to know more about these things or if you have pictures of these when open. I want to change the filter but now I am very curious to the construction of these things.
_________________
91 Syncro
I am a samba thread just waiting to happen!
"Advanced Syncroist"

SteveVanB · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:18 pm Post subject:

The plastic piece replaces the section of glass that was "removed". You can't take it out without leaving a hole where the vent would be.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
91 CARAT

GrindGarage · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:27 pm Post subject:

there is a filter in there???? I never bothered to look.

Maybe use compressed air from the inside to blow out any dirt / dust?
_________________
-cliff

91 Vanagon AUTO
97 Single Port EJ22 all smallcar.com

SteveVanB · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:38 pm Post subject:

It's almost always some sort of dried up foam. Stuff turns to dust if you look at it wrong.
_________________
91 CARAT

windnsea · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 5:24 pm Post subject:

If you can find some fluorosilicone open celled foam, it will last indefinitely - even in direct sunlight. I have used this for several applications since the mid-1980's, and it is fantastic. Seat cushions that never fatigue or crumble, etc.

One unfortunate thing about though, if you can find a source it is not cheap at all!

btw, I'm jealous - I've been looking for a pair of those rear windows for my 83 1/2 Vanagon for a while now!

Gary

Cold Steel · Samba Member Joined: March 11, 2010 Posts: 587

tarandusVDub · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:02 pm Post subject:

So from this thread it sounds like these windows will work on older windows ~ I thought they did not?! Has anyone successfully replaced their solid windows with vents, and was it worth it?
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:42 pm Post subject:

Either of those rear side window setups will swap with either early or late vans. Keep in mind that different years can have different colors of glass so mixing glass can result in a mismatch.

Mark

tarandusVDub · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:27 pm Post subject:

thanks Crazy. So, to those that have done this, is the added ventilation worth the effort/cost?
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

squeegee_boy · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:37 pm Post subject:

tarandusVDub · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:51 pm Post subject:

If you have the filters can you trim the window glass to match, or do you have to have the whole window as a unit?
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

syncrodoka · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:57 pm Post subject:

Since the glass is tempered cutting it isn't a option.

tarandusVDub · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:59 pm Post subject:

Ah, learned something today! thanks!
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

Kopasz · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 8:54 pm Post subject:

i picked up a new set of all 4 side windows from a 90 or 91 about a year ago and I am about to install them into my van this week. I removed all the nasty foam insert crud, cleaned them out with compressed air and rinsed them thoroughly.

I would like to replace the foam also but there is no way these things are coming apart to insert a new foam, so the only way I can imagine doing it would be to fish in some new foam. Anybody have experience with this and suggestions on how to do it so you don't go insane?
_________________
adam

'87 Wolfsburg Weekender, Bostig Zetec

The rehabilitation of my Van can be found here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5949024#5949024

Syncrozilla · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 9:21 pm Post subject:

Here's an article that has some info on those vents http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=311
_________________
Please do not message me on TheSamba. Use my email, [email protected]

Kopasz · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 9:49 pm Post subject:

BillM · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 3:43 am Post subject:

Adam I have an 87 and like you have the parts to add the
rear vents. I also plan to install the gaskets between the
front door/a pillar. I am in the same predicament with replacing
the foam in the rear plastic vents. I don't know what to use,
where to get it or how I am going to get it in there. If you
figure something out please let me know.
_________________
Bill M
87 Westy

zippyslug31 · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 7:54 am Post subject:

Now for the bad news for anybody looking to "upgrade" to this type of rear window: installing them is a royal pain.

For those who know the fishing/weed-whacker line "trick" (for seating the seal) I'm told that starting from the back and getting the plastic part seated first is key. I tried this and still had hella time. Truly frustrating procedure!
_________________
previous:
'80 westy
current:
'90 syncro westy 2.5L subi, triple knob, 16" wheels.
'84 sunroof van, 2.1L motor.

joetiger · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:21 am Post subject:

I had a shop install mine and the tech cussed a blue streak the entire time. He said that the spot at the top where the window meets the plastic is a complete b*tch to deal with.

The airflow is definitely better with them in. You can feel the air going past you in the front seat, as opposed to sucking straight down to the old door vents. My rear passengers have commented that they appreciate the airflow as well.

As far as the foam stuff, mine was dust. I read somewhere (this morning has been wasted looking for the thread or post from the Vanagon archive) that somebody used those foam cleaning pads as a replacement and just stuffed them in, but I can't seem to find the story. Maybe I'm just making it up...
_________________
Joe T.

'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'91 Wolfsburg Carat "Barchetta"

"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron

"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond

Check out my book: Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present

www.josephtrussell.com
www.pigpensyncro.com

berkeleyjack · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:39 am Post subject:

Mine are also missing the foam, so I'm interested in hearing what others have done to replace it.
_________________
All-grain homebrewer with a 1990 Vanagon Carat.


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Vanagon	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time Page: 1, 2, 3 Next
Page 1 of 3